The 65 Best Makeup Gifts of 2024, Per Beauty Editors

When it comes to gifting beauty, everything is inherently personal—and the choices are virtually endless. I’ve curated a list of the best beauty gifts to celebrate the season with expert tips from InStyle editors.

From limited-edition eyeshadow palettes that are sure to spark seasonal joy to must-have makeup tools that elevate the art of product application, each item has been either personally tested by myself or comes highly recommended. Behold, the 65 perfect presents for makeup fanatics that will light up the holiday season—and inspire creativity and countless looks for years to come. 

InStyle Editor Tested & Reviewed

No matter how well you think you know someone, gifting beauty is always challenging as you try to determine which color they’ll love the most or whether that viral product is actually worth the hype.

As editors, we’re always on the hunt for the best products in fashion, beauty, wellness, and more. Below is a list of some of our favorites that have passed rounds of extensive testing and reviews from a diverse range of our staff. From a universally flattering red lipstick to a fierce liquid eyeliner (our editors are seen in the photos below, wearing their favorites!), these picks are at the top of our list for an overall great gift for makeup lovers.

The Prettiest Palettes

No beauty lover’s arsenal is complete without a palette—or 10! Regarding gifting in the beauty realm, the humble makeup palette consistently reigns supreme for its inherent merging of form and function in one convenient and versatile must-have. With a range of tones, textures, and finishes that can be mixed and matched, palettes offer limitless possibilities for creating everything from everyday makeup looks to bold, statement-making styles. What’s more, for the most discerning makeup lovers on your list, a new or limited-edition palette will make a unique addition to any collection (and add an extra layer of excitement to your gift).

Better Brushes

While makeup products often steal the spotlight, high-quality tools deserve just as much attention. That’s because, as any makeup aficionado knows, the right brushes can transform the way makeup products perform on the skin—which is why always having a solid variety of them on hand is of utmost importance. Not only do they make all the difference in blending eyeshadow and perfecting foundation, but a quality brush set can transform the daily ritual of applying makeup into a luxurious, indulgent experience. And don’t forget a makeup brush cleaner (we all know we don’t wash our brushes as often as we should!). 

Multipurpose Must-Haves

In a world where time is often of the essence, multipurpose makeup products provide a practical and thoughtful solution for makeup lovers. Designed to serve multiple functions in one ingenious and easy-to-use formula, they’re best gifted to those who appreciate efficiency and creativity—and are particularly apropos for those lacking ample vanity storage space and frequent travelers. And just because they’re multipurpose doesn’t warrant them mediocre; these top-performing picks are as chic as they are functional.

Clean Formula Favorites

Clean makeup prioritizes higher standards of transparency around formulations and sustainability efforts. It makes a thoughtful gift for those who are mindful of what they put on their skin (which, really, is everyone). Given the industry’s lack of clear-cut standards, however, the waters surrounding clean beauty are still murky, at best—which is why we’ve rounded up some of our favorite better-for-you formulations below.

Luxe Lipsticks, Tints, & Treatments

During the colder months of the year, lips need extra love; they comprise the thinnest, most sensitive skin on the entire complexion and take an added beating when temperatures plunge. Also, for those who revere makeup, no look is complete without lip color. Whether stocking stuffers or standalone gifts (like these Google Top 100 Gifts), these pout-perfectors will make the makeup lover in your life smile. 

Prestige Picks

What makes luxury makeup so coveted? Much more than the designer logos embossed on their chic packaging, the best high-end makeup is truly the crème de la crème of beauty, combining premium ingredients into ultra-luxe, high-performance formulations. While not all prestige makeup lives up to the hype, these picks our editors swear by are worth the splurge. 

Why Shop With Us

Rebecca Dancer is a beauty writer, editor, and consultant with nearly 15 years of experience in the industry. Curious to a fault, her childhood nickname was “Talkie” because she asked so many questions—a trait she has yet to outgrow, especially as it pertains to skin care and makeup.